If you go to a sex toy/porn store they should have little trial sizes of various lubes that you can buy. I'd think that would be economical if your intention is to just use silicone lube for shower sex.

I made the mistake of using Vaseline during anal once - NEVER AGAIN. It is too clumpy and sticky, and I'm sure it wouldn't be any better for regular sex. Invest in some good lube - that stuff is incredible.

I read somewhere (maybe on Betty Dodson's website) that oil-based lubricants should not be used vaginally. I believe they are fine to use on the outer vulva but not actually in the vaginae. I used olive oil as a lubricant for clitoral stimulation once... it didn't cause problems but it didn't feel too great, either. I like water-based lubes much better.

Anyway, I don't think Vaseline would necessarily cause an infection. It's just not a very good choice.

Don't use vaseline, hand creams or lotions as a lubricant. Also, treatments for yeast infections contain oil and will break latex. Oil is good for salads and cars, not for sex! You can buy water-based lube and condoms at the drugstore. (source)

Oil-based lubes can also contribute to yeast infections when used vaginally. (source)

Ok ive just read this on someones friend page and had to post. Cannot use vaseline. it doesnt lube anything. it makes things harder. just use a normal lube, such as KY, XY or any other kind. will be much easier with a normal lube then vaseline xxx

wouldn't that be incredibly hard to "wipe/wash away" after?? vaseline is so thick and goopey and doesn't really come off easy, so if nothing else I'm sure the excessive over cleaning trying to get rid of it would be asking for trouble. What about Vaselines moisturising lotion, do you get that over there - might be oil based but a more vagina friendly consistency.

It's true - Vaseline (and other oils), when used vaginally or even on the vulva in some women, can cause all sorts of problems. Yeast infections, acne (internal and external) and general yuckiness, for example.

A silicone-based lube is definitely your best bet for having sex in water - try ID Millennium, it's not as expensive as some of the other brands.

I've used vaseline before for this purpose. It worked, but the clean up was messy. And, afterwards (few hours later) my crotch just felt sweaty, itchy and gross.If you have nothing else around and want to use it, I'd say go for it. But, it should be your last resort.

I read a lot of hum's and ha's and opinions on the use of Vaseline and the one I'm specifically replying to, the mention that it is a petroleum product, so they stay away from it made me reply.

Vaseline, or Petroleum Jelly is used in a lot of products. Most of them are skin care, lip balms and makeup makeup the majority.

There are a few studies on the long term affects and although I couldn't find a good source to list the results (without some sort of ad on product), but none of the reading I've found on Vaseline mention it is harmful in itself to the body. Vaseline has been used for over a century to help heal cuts and small superficial wounds because it covers and seals the skin and doesn't get absorbed.

Using it sexually seems to be more about preference. It is not as messy as some lubes (tends to stay close to where you put it) but is hard to wash off. Some people like that. For anal sex, it isn't has slippery as Water-based lubes but does help lubrication in general as it lasts much longer but this has a drawback, which I'll mention below.

NOTE: It should not be used if Condoms are involved as it breaks down latex and therefore increases the risk of the condom breaking. Never use any oil based products with Latex.

As for the drawbacks because it isn't absorbed and tends to stay on the skin longer it can offer a place for bacteria to breed. However general cleanliness should help this drastically. In general prolonged use in the anus can weaken the wall and natural environment of the anus (because it isn't supposed to be a moist and lubed place), which can lead to fissures.

I know this entry is old, but I hope this helps anyone else who finds this in a search.

I found this through google and while it's very old, I wanted to leave a comment on this, like dfile_poetry did.

I find it funny how you want to steer away from petroleum-based products due to it's nature (made from crude oil) but immediately cite silicone as an alternative.

Silicone is a synthetic (meaning it doesn't exist anywhere in nature) compound used to make adhesives, insulation, cooking utensils, and caulk.

It also makes great lubricant, similar to petroleum. The fact that it is used for other things should not be what deters you from using it for personal lubrication. Water is a key ingredient in acid rain too.

I have yet to find any research indicating long-term negative effects from using vaseline. I'd say try it once... if you don't like it, don't use it again.

Everybody is talking about how water-based lubricants are fine (usually mentioning a brand-name) and petroleum products are bad.

Water-based lubricants spoil and so have to have anti-bacterial/preservatives added to them.

People say that vaseline "traps" bacteria, leading to infections ... I'd like to see a source for that - I thought that vaseline was essentially sterile, because it doesn't support life - that's it's primary pharmaceutical advantage. But I'm no expert.